Simple Writing Tips To Clarify Your Decluttering Goals

Writing changed my life! Not this kind of writing. Not writing articles for my business and Syndication, but stream-of-consciousness writing. By learning how simple writing tips can clarify your decluttering goals and all your goals you can gain clarity in all the areas of your life.

I started this free-form style of writing many years ago, it seems like a different lifetime. I suppose because in a sense it was.

What is stream-of-consciousness writing?

Stream-of-consciousness writing is a technique where you write down whatever comes to mind, without filtering or editing. Just write what pops into your head. It’s all about having a place to dump your thoughts. 

Some call this a ‘brain dump’ allowing your thoughts to flow freely onto the page, without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. This can be a powerful tool for decluttering your mind and unlocking creativity.

Anyone can write

One of the beautiful things about stream-of-consciousness writing is that anyone can do it. If you can talk you can write because spelling doesn’t matter.

You don’t need to be a professional writer or have any special skills. All you need is a pen and paper (or a keyboard and screen) and the willingness to let your thoughts spill out onto the page.

You do not need to have certain writing skills. Word choice doesn’t matter. Fancy-long words don’t matter. The clarity of your writing will be shown to you when you ask the questions you need to know the answers to. Does this make sense?

For instance, if you are saying ‘I don’t have time’, you could ask yourself why. Nine times out of ten if you answer honestly you will nail the answer that will help you.

Techniques and Useful Tips

• Find a comfortable and quiet place to write.
• Some write longhand, some use a keyboard. Whatever habit works best for you.
• Some use a cheap spiral notebook to write, while others write in a favorite journal. 

I have been using the same type of cheap spiral notebooks for years. I have tried using a keyboard and writing in a document on my iPad using a stylus pen because I have hand issues. There is something about holding the pen that works for me.

For years I wrote 3 pages every single morning for 20 minutes. If I had nothing to say I would fill the page with the words ‘I have nothing to say’. I was not going to run the risk of breaking my habit,

Think of the page as a trusted best friend. You are confident when you tell your best friend she isn’t going to break your confidence. Which brings me to my next point.

This journaling is for your eyes only. Some folks choose to share these written thoughts with their therapists. This is up to you

You will begin to notice a big difference the more you show up on the page and write

Ask questions

My father used to say ‘If you want to know the answer you have to ask the question’. If you don’t know where to start, which is a common occurrence, ask the question ‘What is my obstacle’? ‘What is standing between me and my dreams’?

Ask yourself “Why do I feel this way?” or “What do I want?” 

Download a free week’s worth of writing prompts from me.

Just the basics

Pay no attention to proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. If you say ‘I can’t write this way’ or ‘I don’t have time’ you are simply resisting the process.

When you’re writing, don’t worry about using fancy language or trying to impress anyone. Keep it simple. Focus on writing your thoughts and feelings in whatever way works for you. Short and sweet or long and descriptive wordy writing, the choice is yours.

Just get the words in your head onto the page. Get out all the different ideas you have.

The blank page is scary

Take advantage of my free writing prompts to get you started. 

As an artist, I feel the same way when I have a stark white canvas staring at me. When painting I put any color of paint on my brush and then smoosh it on the canvas to get rid of the ‘Oh man, I don’t want to ruin this new canvas’ feeling.

The thing to keep doing is keep the words flowing, short words or long words, it does not matter. There are no first drafts with stream-of-consciousness writing, just your thoughts. If you notice a missing comma, keep writing, in plain language, without any thought about sentence structures and all the punctuation rules you learned in school.

The good news is anyone can write and whatever your writing style is is fine. Whatever type of words you use is fine. Write so that clear communication with yourself is evident. Run on long sentences or short sentences, simple words or big words are perfectly acceptable.

Consistency

Like any habit, stream-of-consciousness writing works best when practiced consistently. Set aside a few minutes each day to write. It doesn’t have to be a long or elaborate session— even just five or ten minutes can make a difference. 

Consistency is key.

Letting Go

Writing is the place to let go of anger, resentments, jealousies, and all the negative feelings taking up space in your head.

Part of the beauty of stream-of-consciousness writing is that it encourages you to let go of your fears. If you are too shy to talk a thing over with a friend the page is a perfect place to do so.

Don’t worry about what others might think of your writing because they will never see your journal unless you choose to share. 

You cannot make a mistake so don’t waste time and energy wondering if your writing is ‘good enough’. The goal is simply to clear your mind and get your inner thoughts onto the page.

The answers are within us all

Stream-of-consciousness writing is about tapping into the inner wisdom and intuition you either don’t know you have or that you don’t trust. The answers you seek are already within you; sometimes, you just need to quiet the noise of everyday life to hear them. Trust yourself, and your writing will guide you.

How long should I write for each session?

There’s no set rule for how long your writing sessions should be. Start with whatever feels comfortable for you, whether it’s five minutes or half an hour. The important thing is to start and make writing a regular practice.

Sentence length doesn’t matter. Long-winded or fewer words to express your thoughts are fine. This does not matter. Write a clear message that makes sense to you.

Do I need to share my writing with anyone else?

Not unless you want to. Stream-of-consciousness writing is a personal practice, and you’re under no obligation to share your thoughts with anyone else. However, if you find it helpful or therapeutic to share your writing with a trusted friend or therapist, that can be beneficial too.

What if I don’t know what to write about?

If you’re feeling stuck, try starting with a simple prompt, like “I feel…” or “Today, I noticed…” You can also try free association—just write down the first word or phrase that comes to mind, and see where it takes you.

The key is to keep your pen moving and let your thoughts flow naturally. Or use my free writing prompts to get started.

What if I get distracted while writing?

Distractions are common, especially when you’re first starting. If you find your mind wandering, write about whatever your wandering mind is thinking. You can also try setting a timer for your writing session to help you stay focused.

The meaning of a sentence is only important to you.

Is stream-of-consciousness writing the same as journaling?

While stream-of-consciousness writing can be a form of journaling, they’re not necessarily the same thing. Journaling often involves more structured reflection on specific events or experiences, whereas stream-of-consciousness writing is more free-flowing and unstructured.

What if I don’t like what I’ve written?

You are not writing your memoir. You have a lack of clarity in your life, you may be stuck or in a place you would rather not be. Writing will bring you clarity. You can then make a plan based on what you learned.

Stream-of-consciousness writing is not about using the ‘right words’ or making perfect prose. It’s about the process of exploring and discovering who you are. Writing is about getting the answers you need to live the life you want to live. 

Either ignore what you wrote or cross it out. Be sloppy! It does not matter! If you don’t like what you’ve written. Simply let it go and move on to something else.

Can stream-of-consciousness writing be used for problem-solving?

Absolutely. Stream-of-consciousness writing can be a powerful tool for working through difficult emotions, to gaining clarity on complex issues, Writing is a great way to brainstorm creative solutions to problems. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different ideas and perspectives.

I like everyone else resisted this exercise of writing. lots of times we resist anything new. When I stopped resisting and wrote consistently using the tips I wrote in this article my life started to change. At that point I would no more have missed my writing sessions than I would have my morning coffee.

By the way, I learned this technique from Julia Cameron. Julia wrote the book named ‘The Artist Way’. A group of us met year after year and 25 years later some of us still meet today. Writing is a powerful tool. There is no better way to clarity. Try it! What have you got to lose?

Here are 21 wicked easy decluttering tips to get you started!

Marj Bates is a life long ridiculously organized declutter-er and artist. Less is more are words Marj lives by in everything she does except collecting dogs. “Dogs are like potato chips! Can’t have just one.” says Marj. Marj wonders if growing up with a fanatically clean Jewish mom means her decluttering and organizational skills are in her blood.

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